They'll never take the Dragon out of Blacklock

Page Tools

A hint of the emotion that Nathan Blacklock will feel today in what is likely to be his last game at Jubilee Stadium appeared in the corner of his eye when he reflected on his career at the Dragons.

"I can't believe it, bra, I've got a little tear in my eye," he told The Sun-Herald. "I suppose it just goes to show how much this place has meant to me over the years. I grew up here. I went from a boy to a man with the Dragons. I had some time away but really this has always been my home away from Tingha and it has been the world to me.

"I love the fans here. To me they're like an extended family and they've always made me feel good especially when I've had a few down times in my life. They've stood by me and supported me. And I'm really going to miss them when I go." From the emotion the 28-year-old displayed, it appeared he did not want to leave.

We reported a few weeks ago that the Dragons were moving to oust Blacklock. With some talented young wingers and outside backs at the club, Blacklock was seen as a liability for next year and beyond and he was aware the Dragons did not want him.

AdvertisementAdvertisement

"The decision to go was my decision," he said, "I know I could have stayed around next year but the writing was on the wall."

And what did the writing say? "It basically said 'it's time to move on, old fella'," he said with a laugh.

"The Dragons are a very competitive club and they've got some good young kids coming through and because I've had injuries this year I've given them a chance to show what they can do and as a result they're staying and I'm going."

Blacklock's departure will be the end of an era at the club.

"It's the end of Koori corner," said the winger who returned to the Dragons at the tail of last season after an ill-fated season in rugby union with the NSW Waratahs.

"There aren't too many more brothers left at the Dragons and that's a bit sad. We used to have Ricky Walford, Jeff Hardy, Choc [Anthony Mundine], myself and others but now we're all gone."

Blacklock's career will be best remembered for a three-season streak where he topped the NRL try-scoring list and backflipped and somersaulted his way into the hearts of the game's supporters.

"I suppose that's a record I'm pretty proud of but I'm most proud of the friends I've made and the players I've got to know in my time here," he said. "When you sit back and think about your career and the memories it's the people you meet and the friends you make that last."

When Blacklock decided to leave the club he had his family's future in mind. "The offer from Hull means that I can set myself up for the next part of my life," he said. "More important than that, I can set my little bloke up.

"I know it's cold over there but I don't mind wearing a jumper and trackies. I'll have fun over there even if it's cold and I can promise you I'll see out my time with the place."

Blacklock is already experiencing some warmth from the other side of the world. "I've had some emails from the Hull fans saying they're excited to have me over there," he said. "If that's the kind of feeling I'm getting from this far away I'm sure I'll make some friends there and be happy."